YOUR DECEMBER LIST: Claire Burrows from Air & Grace, Christmas films and festive fashion.

December has arrived in a burst of twinkly lights and, as always, I am unprepared. While I would dearly love to be someone who has the presents wrapped and decorations perfected by the very start of the month, I am very much not, and am currently feeling more frazzled than festive. But, there is still lots of time to shop, wrap and be merry! In a bid to summon up that energy for the big festive push, I have started watching Christmas movies (my list lies below). I also turned to Claire Burrows, founder of the excellent shoe brand Air & Grace to find out what she is wearing to the A&G Christmas party and also, what trainer trends we should be looking out for next year. Finally, 'tis the season to be cosy and/or sparkly! Here are my (and your) options....

Claire Burrows is the founder of legendary shoe brand Air & Grace, who celebrated their 11th birthday this year. Combining extreme comfort with gorgeous design, Air & Grace trainers are on my Christmas wishlist.

1. What are the three styles of shoe that you think every woman should own and why?
   I always say a great pair of comfy trainers (neutral colours such as off white or beige so they can go with everything), a pair of black ankle boots which can take you from work to a night out, and a gorgeous pointed flat for when you need something elegant but don’t fancy heels!

2. Let's talk about boots. You have some beautiful styles available this season. How
do you ensure that your boots are super comfortable and feel great to wear all day?
Why thank you! Unique to Air & Grace, our patented Tender Loving Air® comfort technology combines layers of foam cushioning - that’s what makes them so comfortable. We also use super soft suede and leathers which feel great all day!

3. Party season is in full swing. What will you be wearing to Air & Grace's Christmas
party - and most importantly, what shoes?
Definitely our new Lou Lou sparkly pointed flats! The gorgeous glitter is perfect for the party season, and we have 5 colourways to choose from (I’ll be wearing red to stay festive).

4. Trainers form the heart of many women's shoe wardrobe. What styles/trends should we be looking out for this season and going ahead into next year?
Good question - we expect to see low-profile skinny silhouettes, multi-panel colouring, and that effortless Sneakerina vibe. 

5. Finally - which Air & Grace style is on your Christmas wish list this year?
It’s so hard to choose just one! But I would have to say our Dakota fringe knee high boots,
they are just so iconic.

CHRISTMAS MOVIES

'Tis the season to bring out that box of Celebrations and indulge in a Christmas movie or three. Featuring Kiefer Sutherland (who famously drunkenly wrestled a Christmas tree many moons ago), Tinsel Town is a feel good comedy about a past-his-sell-by-date Hollywood action star taking to the stage in a British panto. Champagne Problems is a festive rom com starring Minka Kelly in a ridiculously beautiful Paris. Not festive as such, but definitely worth a watch, period drama parody Fackham Hall arrives on the 12th December. Written by Jimmy Carr and starring Damian Lewis it is Downton Abbey meets Naked Gun in a deliciously atmospheric 1930s country house setting.

FESTIVE FASHION

'Tis the season to feel cosy and sparkly, often at the same time. For a beautiful touch of sparkle, our Isabella lurex tops are the ideal choice. In navy or black with racing stripe sleeves, they look as good with denim by day as they do with a skirt or trousers by night. Or combine cosy and sparkly with the joy-giving Tess cardigan in pink or black (great for going out). A glammed up party requires a great party skirt - step forward the star print Galaxy or satin Tara in green, caramel or leopard. Looking for a gorgeous Christmas knit? In the perfect shade of red, ICONIC is just what your December called for or choose our super-soft Laura or Eva rollnecks for day to night cosiness.